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BBS COURSE GUIDE

Yale University
A comprehensive listing of graduate level courses affiliated with the
Yale Combined Program in the Biological & Biomedical Sciences

Last updated August 3, 2023


This guide contains all courses offered by the 12 Ph.D. programs affiliated with the Yale BBS Program. Courses
with an “a” in the course number are offered in the fall semester. Courses with a “b” in the course number are offered
in the spring semester. Some courses are offered only every other year and are noted as such. Some courses are limited
to students in special programs and are noted as such

Visit the Online Course Information system at https://courses.yale.edu/ to find course times, dates, and
locations.

CELL BIOLOGY
https://catalog.yale.edu/gsas/degree-granting-departments-programs/cell-biology/

CBIO 501a / 502b, Molecules to Systems


This course is designed to provide medical students with a current and comprehensive review of biologic structure
and function at the cellular, tissue, and organ system levels. Areas covered include structure and organization of cells;
regulation of the cell cycle and mitosis; protein biosynthesis and membrane targeting; cell motility and the
cytoskeleton; signal transduction; cell adhesion; cell and tissue organization of organ systems. Clinical correlation
sessions, which illustrate the contributions of cell biology to specific medical problems, are interspersed in the lecture
schedule. Histophysiology laboratories provide practical experience with an understanding of exploring cell and tissue
structure. The course is offered only to M.D. and M.D./Ph.D. students. It runs for three terms from September to
December of the next academic year to coincide with the School of Medicine curriculum. Registration and the release
of grades takes place in the third term. The course is equivalent to two graduate credits.

CBIO 600a/601b, Frontiers in Medicine


“Frontiers in Medicine,” a graduate credit course for first-year MD-PhD students and an elective course for medical
students, emphasizes the connections between basic and clinical science, human physiology and disease. It parallels
the content of Yale Medical School’s first-year courses and is designed for students who are considering a career in
medical research or who choose to explore scientific topics in depth, learn about cutting-edge research and improve
their presentation skills. Discussions cover the challenges faced in research, selecting your topic and pursuing an
academic career. Enrollment is limited to those who have taken or are taking the Masters Courses. Select topics are
presented by eminent faculty who serve as excellent role models for your academic careers. In most sessions, two
students review relevant manuscripts under the guidance of a faculty mentor and present the material to the group.
Prior to the start of class, students are required to submit questions concerning techniques and concepts that may not
be clear from the assigned papers. These questions will then be addressed during the presentation. Student evaluations
are graded on attendance, participation in group discussions and formal presentations. The course runs from
September to mid-May and provides graduate credit if needed. It is equivalent to two graduate credits.

CBIO 602a/MB&B 602a/MCDB 602a, Molecular Cell Biology


A comprehensive introduction to the molecular and mechanistic aspects of cell biology for graduate students in all
programs. Emphasizes fundamental issues of cellular organization, regulation, biogenesis, and function at the molecular
level.

CBIO 603a/MCDB 603a, Seminar in Molecular Cell Biology


A graduate-level seminar course in modern cell biology. The class is devoted to the reading and critical evaluation of
classical and current papers. The topics are coordinated with the CBIO 602a lecture schedule. Thus, concurrent
enrollment in CBIO 602a is required.

CBIO 604b / PTB 604, Physiologic Function and Cellular Structure of Organ Systems
Introduction to the organization and function of cells within complex multicellular systems as encountered in the human
body. Covers major tissues and organs as well as the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems, with special
emphasis on the molecular and cellular bases of developmental processes and human diseases. Lectures supplemented
by electronic-based tutorials on the histology of tissues and organs.

Yale BBS Course Guide 2


CBIO 606b, Advanced Topics in Cell Biology
This seminar course, which meets once weekly, covers advanced topics in cell biology. Each topic is spread over two or
three sessions, which start with an introductory overview and are followed by a discussion of key papers led by an
expert in the field.

CBIO 630b/MCDB 630b Biochemical and Biophysical Approaches in Molecular and Cellular Biology
The course offers an introduction into the biochemical and biophysical techniques used in modern cell biology
research, including spectroscopy, light microscopy, kinetics, mathematical modeling, structural biology techniques
(x-ray, electron microscopy, NMR), mass spectrometry.

CBIO 655a/GENE 655a, Stem Cells: Biology and Application


This course is designed for first-year or second-year students to learn the fundamentals of stem cell biology and to gain
familiarity with current research in the field. The course is presented in a lecture and discussion format based on
primary literature. Topics include stem cell concepts, methodologies for stem cell research, embryonic stem cells, adult
stem cells, cloning and stem cell reprogramming, and clinical applications of stem cell research. Prerequisites:
undergraduate-level cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics.

CBIO 701b, Illuminating Cellular Function


Introduction to the principles and practical methods of live cell imaging. Covers principles of fluorescent microscopy
(including genetically encoded probes and physiological indicators), image formation, image detection, and image
analysis. Includes hands-on demonstrations of state-of-the-art instrumentation, such as video-rate confocal and super-
resolution "nanoscopes." The course is equivalent to ½ graduate credit.

CBIO 900a/GENE 900a/MCDB 900a, Research Skills and Ethics I


This course consists of seminars that covers ethics, grant writing, and training for scientific speaking
for Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development track students.

CBIO 901b/GENE 901b/MCDB 901b, Research Skills and Ethics II


This course consists of seminars that covers ethics, grant writing, and training for scientific speaking
for Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development track students.

CBIO 903a or b, Reading Course in Cell Biology


Independent study of specific topics in cell biology through directed reading of the literature under faculty supervision.
Student may choose any topic and any Yale faculty subject to approval by the Cell Biology DGS. Open to Cell Biology
students, and to students in other departments with approval from their respective DGS. Term paper required.

CBIO 911a/GENE 911a/MCDB 911a, First Laboratory Rotation


First laboratory rotation for Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development track students.

CBIO 912a/GENE 912a/MCDB 912ab, Second Laboratory Rotation


Second laboratory rotation for Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development track students.

CBIO 913b/GENE 913b/MCDB 913b, Third Laboratory Rotation


Third laboratory rotation for Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development track students.

CBIO 914b/GENE 914b/MCDB 914b, Fourth Laboratory Rotation (optional)


Fourth laboratory rotation for Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development track students.

Yale BBS Course Guide 3


CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR PHYSIOLOGY
http://physiology.yale.edu/education/courses.aspx

C&MP 550a/ENAS 550a/MCDB 550a/PHAR 550a, Physiological Systems (Required Course)


The course develops a foundation in human physiology by examining the homeostasis of vital parameters within the
body, and the biophysical properties of cells, tissues, and organs. Basic concepts in cell and membrane physiology are
synthesized through exploring the function of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle. The physical basis of blood flow,
mechanisms of vascular exchange, cardiac performance, and regulation of overall circulatory function are discussed.
Respiratory physiology explores the mechanics of ventilation, gas diffusion, and acid-base balance. Renal physiology
examines the formation and composition of urine and the regulation of electrolyte, fluid, and acid-base balance. Organs
of the digestive system are discussed from the perspective of substrate metabolism and energy balance. Hormonal
regulation is applied to metabolic control and to calcium, water, and electrolyte balance. The biology of nerve cells is
addressed with emphasis on synaptic transmission and simple neuronal circuits within the central nervous system. The
special senses are considered in the framework of sensory transduction. Weekly discussion sections provide a forum
for in-depth exploration of topics. Graduate students evaluate research findings through literature review and weekly
meetings with the instructor.

*One of the following courses is required:

*C&MP 560b/ENAS 570b/MCDB 560b/PHAR 560b, Cellular and Molecular Physiology: Molecular Machines in
Human Disease
The course focuses on understanding the processes that transfer molecules across membranes at the cellular, molecular,
biophysical, and physiological levels. Students learn about the different classes of molecular machines that mediate
membrane transport, generate electrical currents, or perform mechanical displacement. Emphasis is placed on the
relationship between the molecular structures of membrane proteins and their individual functions. The interactions
among transport proteins in determining the physiological behaviors of cells and tissues are also stressed. Molecular
motors are introduced and their mechanical relationship to cell function is explored. Students read papers from the
scientific literature that establish the connections between mutations in genes encoding membrane proteins and a wide
variety of human genetic diseases.

*C&MP 570b, Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Intermediary Metabolism.


The course will present a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of mitochondrial physiology and
pathophysiology, with topics including glucose, lipid, amino acid, and cholesterol metabolism; mitochondrial
bioenergetics; flux modeling; inherited and acquired metabolic disorders; and common methods used to characterize
metabolism. In addition to these key topics, students will gain experience in reviewing papers and critically evaluating
experimental design and implementation. The material will be presented in a mixed lecture/discussion format. The
class will be offered Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:30-11:45 this semester. Please contact either of the instructors
(rachel.perry@yale.edu, Richard.kibbey@yale.edu) if you have any questions.

C&MP 570b, Sensory Physiology


The course provides an overview of the mammalian special sensory systems, including molecular and cellular bases of
vision, audition, taste, olfaction, and somatosensation. Faculty with focus in those areas lead presentations and
discussions on peripheral and central mechanisms. Psychophysical aspects of sensation are introduced.

C&MP 600, Medical Physiology Case Conferences (open only to MD/PhD & MRSP students)
Two-term course taught in groups of ten to twelve students by the same group leader(s) throughout the year. Workshop
format permits students to apply basic concepts of physiology to clinical syndromes and disease processes. Students
are expected to participate actively in a weekly discussion of a clinical case that illustrates principles of human
physiology and pathophysiology at the whole-body, system, organ, cellular, or molecular level. Prerequisites: C&MP 550a
and permission of the instructor. Credit for full year only.

Yale BBS Course Guide 4


C&MP 610, Medical Research Scholars Program: Mentored Clinical Experience (open only to MRSP students)
The goals of the course are to introduce MRSP students to aspects of clinically important human diseases. Students
explore each disease over three one-and-one-half-hour sessions led by a clinician-scientist who is an expert in the
relevant organ system. Students explore two disease processes per term. The first of the three sessions is devoted to a
discussion of the clinical presentation, natural history, pathology, epidemiology, treatment, and prognosis of the disease
process. During this session students have the opportunity to view gross or microscopic specimens of diseased tissue
in association with members of the Pathology faculty. Students are assigned readings in pathology, pathophysiology, and
clinical texts to prepare for the first class session. The second session focuses on translational aspects of the disease
process. Students read and present papers relevant to the molecular basis of the disease and cutting-edge approaches
to its therapy. In the third session students meet with patients who have experienced the disease and/or visit and
explore facilities associated with diagnosis and treatment of the disease process. Prior to the third session students
receive guidance as to what they will observe and how to approach the experience; and at the end of the session, the
group discusses its thoughts and impressions. Students are expected to prepare for sessions, to participate actively, and
to be scrupulously respectful of patients and patient facilities.

C&MP 620b, Fundamentals in Neurophysiology


The course is designed for students who wish to gain a theoretical and practical knowledge of modern neurophysiology.
Graduate students specializing in neurophysiology and non-neurophysiology are encouraged to attend, as the course
begins at a very basic level and progresses to more complicated topics. Topics include properties of ion channels, firing
properties of neurons, synaptic transmission, and neurophysiology methodology.

C&MP 630a/PATH 680a/PHAR 502a, Seminar in Molecular Medicine, Pharmacology, and Physiology
Readings and discussion on a diverse range of current topics in molecular medicine, pharmacology, and physiology. The
class emphasizes analysis of primary research literature and development of presentation and writing skills.
Contemporary articles are assigned on a related topic every week, and a student leads discussions with input from
faculty who are experts in the topic area. The overall goal is to cover a specific topic of medical relevance (e.g., cancer,
neurodegeneration) from the perspective of three primary disciplines (i.e., physiology: normal function; pathology:
abnormal function; and pharmacology: intervention).

C&MP 650/PATH 660/PHAR 580, Ethics


Organized to foster discussion, the course is taught by faculty in the Pharmacology, Pathology, and Physiology
departments and two or three senior graduate students. Each session is based on case studies from primary literature,
reviews, and two texts: Francis Macrina’s Scientific Integrity and Kathy Barker’s At the Bench. Each week, students are
required to submit a reaction paper discussing the reading assignment. Students take turns leading the class discussion;
a final short paper on a hot topic in bioethics is required.

C&MP 710b/MB&B 710b4, Electron Cryo-Microscopy for Protein Structure Determination


Understanding cellular function requires structural and biochemical studies at an ever-increasing level of complexity.
The course is an introduction to the concepts and applications of high-resolution electron cryo-microscopy. This rapidly
emerging new technique is the only method that allows biological macromolecules to be studied at all levels of
resolution from cellular organization to near atomic detail. Counts as 0.5 credit.

Yale BBS Course Guide 5


COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS
https://cbb.yale.edu/graduate-program/example-courses-three-course-areas

CB&B 523b/MB&B 523b/PHYS 523b/ENAS 541b, Biological Physics (Course offered every other year).
The course has two aims: 1) to introduce students to the physics of biological systems and 2) to introduce students to
the basics of scientific computing. The course will focus on studies of a broad-range of biophysical phenomena including
diffusion, polymer statistics, protein folding, macromolecular crowding, cell motion, and tissue development using
computational tools and methods. We will provide intensive tutorials for Matlab including basic syntax, arrays, for-
loops, conditional statements, functions, plotting, and importing and exporting data.

CB&B 562b/AMTH 562b/MB&B 562b/MCDB 562b/PHYS 562b, Modeling Biological Systems II


This course covers advanced topics in computational biology. How do cells compute, how do they count and tell time,
how do they oscillate and generate spatial patterns? Topics include time-dependent dynamics in regulatory, signal-
transduction, and neuronal networks; fluctuations, growth, and form; mechanics of cell shape and motion; spatially
heterogeneous processes; diffusion. This year, the course spends roughly half its time on mechanical systems at the
cellular and tissue level, and half on models of neurons and neural systems in computational neuroscience.

CB&B 567/S&DS 567/MB&B 567, Topics in Deep Learning: Methods and Biomedical Applications (Course
offered every other year)
This course provides an introduction to recent developments in deep learning, covering topics ranging from basic
backpropagation, to optimization, to the latest developments in deep generative models and network robustness.
Applications in natural language processing and computer vision are used as running examples. Several case studies in
biomedical applications are covered in detail. Prerequisite: S&DS 565 or permission of the instructor. Enrollment
limited.

CB&B 601b/IBIO 601b, Fundamentals of Research: Responsible Conduct of Research


A weekly seminar presented by faculty trainers on topics relating to proper conduct of research. Required for first-year
CB&B students, first year Immunobiology students, and training grant-funded postdocs. Pass/Fail.

CB&B 634a, Comp Methods for Informatics


This course introduces the key computational methods and concepts necessary for taking an informatics project from
start to finish using APIs to query online resources, reading and writing common biomedical data formats, choosing
appropriate data structures for storing and manipulating data, implementing computationally efficient and
parallelizable algorithms for analyzing data, and developing appropriate visualizations for communicating health
information. The FAIR data-sharing guidelines are discussed. Current issues in big health data are discussed, including
successful applications as well as privacy and bias concerns. This course has a significant programming component, and
familiarity with programming is assumed.

CB&B 638a/BIS 638a, Clinical Database Management Systems and Ontologies


This course introduces database and ontology in the clinical/public health domain. It reviews how data and
information are generated in clinical/public health settings. It introduces different approaches to representing,
modeling, managing, querying, and integrating clinical/public health data. In terms of database technologies, the
course describes two main approaches—SQL database and non-SQL (NoSQL) database —and shows how these
technologies can be used to build electronic health records (EHR), data repositories, and data warehouses. In terms of
ontologies, it discusses how ontologies are used in connecting and integrating data with machine-readable knowledge.
The course reviews the major theories, methods, and tools for the design and development of databases and
ontologies. It also includes clinical/public health use cases demonstrating how databases and ontologies are used to
support clinical/public health research.

Yale BBS Course Guide 6


CB&B 645b/BIS 692b/STAT 645b, Statistical Methods in Genetics and Bioinformatics (Course offered every
other year)
Introduction to problems, algorithms, and data analysis approaches in computational biology and bioinformatics;
stochastic modeling and statistical methods applied to problems such as mapping disease-associated genes, analyzing
gene expression microarray data, sequence alignment, and SNP analysis. Statistical methods include maximum
likelihood, EM, Bayesian inference, Markov chain Monte Carlo, and some methods of classification and clustering;
models include hidden Markov models, Bayesian networks, and the coalescent. The limitations of current models, and
the future opportunities for model building, are critically addressed. Prerequisite: STAT 538a, 542b, or 661a. Prior
knowledge of biology is not required, but some interest in the subject and a willingness to carry out calculations using
R is assumed.

CB&B 647b/GENE 645b/BIS 645b, Statistical Methods in Human Genetics (Course offered every other year)
Probability modeling and statistical methodology for the analysis of human genetics data are presented. Topics include
population genetics, single locus and polygenic inheritance, linkage analysis, quantitative trait analysis, association
analysis, haplotype analysis, population structure, whole genome genotyping platforms, copy number variation,
pathway analysis, and genetic risk prediction models.

CB&B 663b, Deep Learning Theory and Applications (Course offered every other year)
Deep neural networks have gained immense popularity within the past decade due to their success in many important
machine-learning tasks such as image recognition, speech recognition, and natural language processing. This course
provides a principled and hands-on approach to deep learning with neural networks. Students master the principles
and practices underlying neural networks, including modern methods of deep learning, and apply deep learning
methods to real-world problems including image recognition, natural language processing, and biomedical applications.
Course work includes homework, a final exam, and a final project—either group or individual, depending on
enrollment—with both a written and oral (i.e., presentation) component. The course assumes basic prior knowledge in
linear algebra and probability. Prerequisites: CPSC 202 and knowledge of Python programming.

CB&B 711a, 712b, 713b, Lab Rotations


Three 2.5–3-month research rotations in faculty laboratories are required during the first year of graduate study. These
rotations are arranged by each student with individual faculty members.

CB&B 740a/BIS 560a, Intro to Health Informatics


The course provides an introduction to clinical and translational informatics. Topics include (1) overview of biomedical
informatics, (2) design, function, and evaluation of clinical information systems, (3) clinical decision making and
practice guidelines, (4) clinical decision support systems, (5) informatics support of clinical research, (6) privacy and
confidentiality of clinical data, (7) standards, and (8) topics in translational bioinformatics. Permission of the instructor
required.

CB&B 745b/AMTH 745b/CPSC 745b, Advanced Topics in Machine Learning and Data Mining (Course offered
every other year)
An overview of advances in the past decade in machine learning and automatic datamining approaches for dealing with
the broad scope of modern data-analysis challenges, including deep learning, kernel methods, dictionary learning, and
bag of words/features.
This year, the focus is on a broad scope of biomedical data-analysis tasks, such as single cell RNA sequencing, single-cell
signaling and proteomic analysis, health care assessment, and medical diagnosis and treatment recommendations. The
seminar is based on student presentations and discussions of recent prominent publications from leading journals and
conferences in the field. Prerequisite: basic concepts in data analysis (e.g., CPSC 545 or 563) or permission of the
instructor.

Yale BBS Course Guide 7


CB&B 750b/BIS 550b, Core Topics in Biomedical Informatics
The course focuses on providing an introduction to common unifying themes that serve as the foundation for different
areas of biomedical informatics, including clinical, neuro-, and genome informatics. The course is designed for students
with significant computer experience and coursework who plan to build databases and computational tools for use in
biomedical research. Emphasis is on understanding basic principles underlying informatics approaches to
interoperation among biomedical databases and software tools, standardized biomedical vocabularies and ontologies,
biomedical natural language processing, modeling of biological systems, high performance computation in biomedicine,
and other related topics.

Yale BBS Course Guide 8


EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY
http://catalog.yale.edu/gsas/degree-granting-departments-programs/experimental-pathology/#coursestext

PATH 620, 622, Laboratory Rotations in Experimental Pathology


Laboratory rotations for first-year graduate students.

PATH 625a, Pathobiology of Neurodegeneration


Aging individuals throughout the world suffer from neurodegenerative diseases that resist treatment and prevention
and are among the costliest chronic diseases in the United States. In this course, we will cover their causes,
complications, and the rationale behind the treatments that are now available. We will begin by reviewing normal brain
functions and how they are impaired and then evaluate the evidence linking toxic protein deposits of amyloid and tau
to Alzheimer’s dementia. Our inability to design effective anti-amyloid treatments has turned our attention to many
other pathogenic factors, which we will also cover. These include toxic mutations, blood vessel damage, myelin
dysfunction, Inflammation, autophagy and neuronal cell death. We will also explore immune therapy, brain training,
protective lifestyles, false alarms and uncertain claims, and the economics of dementia. This course will require a
working knowledge of molecular and cell biology and protein biochemistry. It will be geared to the interests of students
planning a career in neurobiology/brain-related research either in academics or industry. Applicants interested in this
course should send me a brief description of their background and future goals (Vincent.Marchesi@yale.edu).
Enrollment will be limited.

PATH 630b/ENAS 535b, Biomaterial-Tissue Interactions


The course addresses the interactions between tissues and biomaterials, with an emphasis on the importance of
molecular- and cellular-level events in dictating the performance and longevity of clinically relevant devices. In addition,
specific areas such as biomaterials for tissue engineering and the importance of stem/progenitor cells, and biomaterial-
mediated gene and drug delivery are addressed.

PATH 640a/BBS 640a, Developing and Writing a Scientific Research Proposal


The course will cover the intricacies of scientific writing and guide students in the development of a scientific research
proposal on the topic of their research. All elements of an NIH fellowship application will be covered, and eligible
students will submit their applications for funding.

PATH 650b, Biology of Cancer


A comprehensive survey of cancer research from the cellular to the clinical level. The relation of cancer to intracellular
and intercellular regulation of cell proliferation is emphasized, as are animal models for cancer research. Background in
molecular genetics and cell biology is assumed. Open to advanced undergraduates with permission of the organizers.

PATH 660a/C&MP 650a/PHAR 580a, The Responsible Conduct of Research


Organized to foster discussion, the course is taught by faculty in the Pharmacology, Pathology, and Physiology
departments and two or three senior graduate students. Each session is based on case studies from primary literature,
reviews, and two texts: Francis Macrina’s Scientific Integrity and Kathy Barker’s At the Bench. Each week, students are
required to submit a reaction paper discussing the reading assignment. Students take turns leading the class discussion;
a final short paper on a hot topic in bioethics is required.

PATH 670b, Biological Mechanisms of Reaction to Injury


An introduction to human biology and disease as a manifestation of reaction to injury. Topics include organ structure
and function, cell injury, circulatory and inflammatory responses, disordered physiology, and neoplasia.

PATH 679a/680ab/C&MP 630a/PHAR 502a, Seminar in Molecular Medicine, Pharmacology, and Physiology
Readings and discussion on a diverse range of current topics in molecular medicine, pharmacology, and physiology. The
class emphasizes analysis of primary research literature and development of presentation and writing skills.
Contemporary articles are assigned on a related topic every week, and a student lead discussion with input from faculty
who are experts in the topic area. The overall goal is to cover a specific topic of medical relevance (e.g., cancer,
neurodegeneration) from the perspective of three primary disciplines (i.e., physiology: normal function; pathology:
abnormal function; and pharmacology: intervention).
Yale BBS Course Guide 9
PATH 681a/BBS 681a, Advanced Topics in Cancer Biology
This advanced graduate level course focuses on readings and discussion on three to four major topics in cancer biology,
such as targeted therapy, tumor immunology, tumor metabolism, and genomic evolution of cancer. For each topic, the
class starts with an interactive lecture, followed by critical analysis of primary research literature. Recent research
articles are assigned on these topics, and a student lead discussion with input from faculty who are experts in the topic
area. Pre-requisites: PATH 650b or at the discretion of the instructor.

PATH 682b, Cancer Clinical Translation


This course builds upon basic cancer biology knowledge to see the impact of scientific knowledge on real-world clinical
oncology issues through didactic sessions, working tumor board attendance, and workshop discussions. The first half
of the course emphasizes practical issues in moving research ideas into the clinic, design and execution of standard and
novel forms of clinical trials, and statistical analysis of clinical trial data. The second half covers the perspectives of
clinicians on the most important outstanding biological questions that should be addressed by cancer investigators.
Class size is limited, with priority for Cancer Biology Training Program trainees. Advanced undergraduates or graduate
students may be admitted with permission of the organizers.

PATH 690a, Molecular Mechanisms of Disease


This course covers aspects of the fundamental molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying various human diseases.
Many of the disorders discussed represent major forms of infectious, degenerative, vascular, neoplastic, and
inflammatory disease. Additionally, certain rarer diseases that illustrate good models for investigation and/or
application of basic biologic principles are covered in the course. The objective is to highlight advances in experimental
and molecular medicine as they relate to understanding the pathogenesis of disease and the formulation of therapies.

Yale BBS Course Guide 10


GENETICS
http://catalog.yale.edu/gsas/degree-granting-departments-programs/genetics/#coursestext

GENE 625a/MB&B 625a/MCDB 625a, Basic Concepts of Genetic Analysis


The universal principles of genetic analysis in eukaryotes are discussed in lectures. Students also read a small selection
of primary papers illustrating the very best of genetic analysis and dissect them in detail in the discussion sections.
While other Yale graduate molecular genetics courses emphasize molecular biology, this course focuses on the concepts
and logic underlying modern genetic analysis.

GENE 655a/CBIO 655a, Stem Cells: Biology and Application


This course is designed for first-year or second-year students to learn the fundamentals of stem cell biology and to gain
familiarity with current research in the field. The course is presented in a lecture and discussion format based on
primary literature. Topics include stem cell concepts, methodologies for stem cell research, embryonic stem cells, adult
stem cells, cloning and stem cell reprogramming, and clinical applications of stem cell research. Prerequisites:
undergraduate-level cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics.

GENE 675 and 676, Graduate Student Seminar: Critical Analysis and Presentation of Scientific Literature
Students gain experience in preparing and delivering seminars and in discussing presentations by other students. A
variety of topics in molecular, cellular, developmental, and population genetics are covered. Required for all second-year
students in Genetics. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.

GENE 680 / INP 610Advanced Topics in Neurogenomics


This course focuses on the rapidly changing field of functional genomics of psychiatric disease, centered on validations
using human cell-based models. It is designed for students who already have basic knowledge of neuroscience and
human genetics.

GENE 734b/MBIO 734b, Molecular Biology of Animal Viruses


Lecture course with emphasis on mechanisms of viral replication, oncogenic transformation, and virus-host cell
interactions.

GENE 743b/MB&B 743b/MCDB 743b, Advanced Eukaryotic Molecular Biology


Selected topics in transcriptional control, regulation of chromatin structure, mRNA processing, mRNA stability, RNA
interference, translation, protein degradation, DNA replication, DNA repair, site-specific DNA recombination, somatic
hypermutation. Prerequisite: biochemistry or permission of the instructor.

GENE 760b, Genomic Methods for Genetic Analysis


Introduction to the analysis and interpretation of genomic datasets. The focus is on next-generation sequencing (NGS)
applications including RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and exome and whole genome sequencing. By the end of the course, each
student will be able to process and analyze large-scale NGS datasets and interpret the results. This course is intended
only for graduate students who are interested in genomic approaches but who have had little prior experience in
genomics or bioinformatics. Enrollment limited to twenty. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

GENE 777b/MCDB 677b, Mechanisms of Development


An advanced course on mechanisms of animal and plant development focusing on the genetic specification of cell
organization and identity during embryogenesis and somatic differentiation. The use of evolutionarily conserved
signaling pathways to carry out developmental decisions in a range of animals is highlighted. Course work includes
student participation in critical analysis of primary literature and a research proposal term paper.

GENE 900a/CBIO 900a/MCDB 900a, Research Skills and Ethics I


This course consists of seminars that covers ethics, grant writing, and training for scientific speaking for
Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development track students.

Yale BBS Course Guide 11


GENE 901b/CBIO 901b/MCDB 901b, Research Skills and Ethics II
This course consists of seminars that covers ethics, grant writing, and training for scientific speaking for
Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development track students.

GENE 911a/CBIO 911a/MCDB 911a, First Laboratory Rotation


First laboratory rotation for Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development track students.

GENE 912a/CBIO 912a/MCDB 912a, Second Laboratory Rotation


Second laboratory rotation for Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development track students.

GENE 913b/CBIO 913b/MCDB 913b, Third Laboratory Rotation


Third laboratory rotation for Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development track students.

GENE 914b/CBIO 914b/MCDB 914b, Fourth Laboratory Rotation (optional)


Fourth laboratory rotation for Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development track students.

GENE 921a and b, Reading Course in Genetics and Molecular Biology


Directed reading with faculty. Term paper required. Prerequisite: permission of Genetics DGS.

Yale BBS Course Guide 12


IMMUNOBIOLOGY
https://catalog.yale.edu/gsas/degree-granting-departments-programs/translational-biomedicine/

IBIO 503, Responsible Conduct in Research, Refresher Course


NIH requirement, 4th year students to receive training in the responsible conduct of research every 4 years, and
Immunobiology 503b meets this requirement. The course has two components:
1. One large-group session will be held for all 4th year students through the BBS. The main topics will be Scientific
Misconduct and Authorship.
2. Two Immunobiology faculty facilitate discussions based on RCR topics which are gathered in advance from the
students. These anonymous-hypothetical stories are selected by the faculty and discussed. A workshop
environment where students are then asked to analyze each case and suggest courses of actions.

IBIO 530/MCDB 530, Biology of the Immune System,


The development of the immune system. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of immune recognition. Effector
responses against pathogens; autoimmunity. Also, MCDB 430a – Required for all First Year Immunology/BBS students

IBIO 531, Advanced Immunology


The historical development and central paradigms of key areas in immunology. The course attempts to develop a
clear understanding of how these paradigms were established experimentally. Landmark studies are discussed to
determine how the conclusions were obtained and why they were important at the time they were done. Lecture and
discussion format; readings of primary research papers and review articles. Prerequisite: IBIO 530a or equivalent.
Enrollment limited to fifteen. Required for all first year BBS/Immunology Students.

Two Advanced Immunobiology seminar courses (choose from IBIO 532, 536, 537, 538, 539)
Seminar courses are typically available every Fall and every other Spring. First seminar must be taken for a grade. If the
student has completed six courses, then the seventh class (seminar) can be audited.

IBIO 601, Fundamentals of Research: Responsible Conduct of Research


Faculty led presentations on topics relating to proper conduct of research. Required for first year Immunobiology
students. Pass/Fail.

IBIO 611: Research rotation 1


Intensive experience in the design and execution of experiments in immunology or other areas of biology. Students
design a focused research project in consultation with a faculty mentor and execute the designed experiments in the
mentor's laboratory. Students are expected to read relevant background papers from the literature, design and perform
experiments, interpret the resulting data, and propose follow up experiments. Students are also expected to attend the
mentor's weekly lab meeting(s) as well as weekly Immunobiology departmental seminars and Research in Progress
seminars. The course concludes with the student giving a brief presentation of the work performed at Rotation Talks,
attended by other first year Immunology Track graduate students. Evaluation is by the mentor and trainee.
Pass/Fail. (1 course credit; minimum of 20 hours/week). Required for all first year Immunology/BBS students.

IBIO 612, Research Rotation 2


See description under IBIO 611a.

IBIO 613, Research Rotation 3


See description under IBIO 611a.

Yale BBS Course Guide 13


INTERDEPARTMENTAL NEUROSCIENCE PROGRAM
https://medicine.yale.edu/inp/academics/courses.aspx

INP 507, Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases


This course focuses on diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Schizophrenia, Multiple Sclerosis, and Epilepsy, in
which modern neuroscience has advanced mechanistic explanations for clinical conditions. The course will highlight
recent genetic, molecular, electrophysiological, and imaging experiments in parsing disease mechanisms.

INP 510, Structural and Functional Organization of the Human Nervous System
An integrative overview of the structure and function of the human brain as it pertains to major neurological and psychiatric
disorders. Neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and clinical correlations are interrelated to provide essential background in the
neurosciences. Lectures in neurocytology and neuroanatomy survey neuronal organization in the human brain, with emphasis
on long fiber tracts related to clinical neurology. Lectures in neurophysiology cover various aspects of neural function at the
cellular and systems levels, with a strong emphasis on the mammalian nervous system. Clinical correlations consist of sessions
applying basic science principles to understanding pathophysiology in the context of patients. Seven three-hour laboratory
sessions are coordinated with lectures throughout the course to provide an understanding of the structural basis of function and
disease. Case-based conference sections provide an opportunity to integrate and apply the information learned about the
structure and function of the nervous system in the rest of the course to solving a focused clinical problem in a journal club
format. Variable class schedule; contact course instructors.

INP 511/INP 512, Lab Rotation for First-Year Students


Required for all first-year Neuroscience graduate students. Rotation period is one term. Grading is Sat/Unsat based on
PI’s rotation evaluation.

INP 513/INP 514, Second Year Thesis Research


Required for all second year INP graduate students. Both terms required. Grading is Sat/Unsat based on PI’s
certification.

INP 519, Tutorial


By arrangement with faculty and approval of DGS.

INP 521 Neuroimaging in Neuropsychiatry II: Clinical Applications


Neuroimaging methodologies including Positron Emission Tomography (PET); Single Photon Emission Computed
Tomography (SPECT); Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI); functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI); Magnetic
Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) are rapidly evolving tools used to study the living human brain. Neuroimaging has
unprecedented implications for routine clinical diagnosis, for assessment of drug efficacy; for determination of
psychotropic drug occupancy and for the study of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neurologic and
psychiatric disorders. This course is designed to provide an overview the application of state-of-the-art neuroimaging
methods to research in neurologic and psychiatric disorders.

INP 523/ENAS 880 Imaging Drugs in the Brain


Seminar course to explore the uses of functional imaging (PET and fMRI) to study the mechanisms of action and long-
term effects of drugs (legal and illegal) on brain function. Basic research findings are the main topics, augmented by
some discussion of imaging in drug development by Pharma. The central theme of the course is experiment design. How
to design the proper imaging experiment to ask the question. What are the endpoints of the experiment? What are the
limitations of interpretation? What are the proper controls and what are the proper analyses to ensure reliable,
interpretable results?

INP 532 Neurobiology of Cortical Systems


An examination of the neural circuits that subserve sensory, motor, cognitive, and affective function, and their
relationships to human disorders. A comparative species approach is used to highlight the evolution of neural circuits
and their functions. Offered in the Spring term. Permission of instructors required for registration.

Yale BBS Course Guide 14


INP 533 Function and Dysfunction of the Visual System
A survey course on the visual system, covering the retina, central visual pathways, and visual centers. Topics on the
development, structure, function, dysfunction, and repair of the visual system will be introduced by faculty members
and discussed among students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty members. The class will meet for one 1.5 hr lecture and
one 1.5 hr paper discussion session per week.

INP 542 Developing and Writing Fellowship Proposals


In this course, graduate students will learn how fellowship award review panels are run and what the selection criteria
are. The NIH National Research Service Award (NRSA) Fellowship will be used as the main framework for learning.
Students will develop NIH style Biosketches, learn to generate key points in the NIH Research Training Plan, and learn
how to write a Specific Aims page and what to consider for the Project Narrative. Through student-led groups, students
will learn how to critique Specific Aims pages, with input from instructors, and will then develop Project Narratives
with specific focuses on effective communication of the underlying hypotheses, impact and significance, and
experimental plans. Grading is H/HP/P/F and is based on class participation.

INP 552 Critical Thinking in Learning and Memory


Are you interested in a neuroscience approach and its dual perspectives to understanding neuronal ensemble
mechanisms underlying learning and episodic memory formation? This course aims to engage students in critical
thinking of classic neuroscience readings in learning and memory. Pairs of key studies in the field of learning and
memory are discussed and debated either as dual perspectives on a given topic or as complementary approaches to
aspects of learning and memory. The course goals are twofold: first, to develop and further students’ critical thinking in
neuroscience and related fields; second, to acquire key concepts and knowledge in the field of learning and memory.
The focus is on studies revealing the role of medial temporal lobe and limbic structures in learning and memory,
primarily in humans and rodents.

INP 554 Human Molecular Diversity in the Context of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Behavioral Traits
This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human molecular diversity and its
implications with respect to the study of neuropsychiatric disorders and behavioral traits. Every class will be organized
around the discussion of recent articles published in the primary literature. Initially, the discussion will focus on basic
concepts related to variability between individuals, within a population, and between populations across different
omics domains including genetics, transcriptomics, epigenetics, and proteomics. Two aspects will be also thoroughly
discussed: i) the definitions of ancestry, race, and ethnicity and how they should be considered when designing a
molecular study and ii) the systematic underrepresentation of certain minorities in human molecular studies and its
consequences. Subsequently, the classes will focus on different aspects related to the modeling of human molecular
variation to investigate the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders and their comorbidities with behavioral traits.
These will include the discussion of different study designs (e.g., case-control and case-only), the approaches needed to
account for potential biases (e.g., population stratification), statistical power, effect sizes across different omics
domains, and causal inference.

INP 558/PSYC 558 Computational Methods in Human Neuroscience


This course provides training on how to use computational science for the advanced analysis of brain imaging data,
primarily from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Topics include scientific programming, high-
performance computing, machine learning, network/graph analysis, real-time neurofeedback, nonparametric statistics,
and functional alignment. Prerequisite: some prior experience with programming (Matlab, R or Python), data
preprocessing, and basic fMRI analysis. Permission of instructor required.

INP 562/MCDB 361/562 Dynamical Systems in Biology


This course covers advanced topics in computational biology and dynamical systems. How do cells compute, how do
they count and tell time, how do they oscillate and generate spatial patterns? Topics include time dependent dynamics
in regulatory, signal transduction and neuronal networks, fluctuations, growth and form: mechanics of cell shape and
motion, spatially heterogeneous processes, diffusion. This year, the course will spend roughly half its time on
mechanical systems at the cellular and tissue level, and half on models of neurons and neural systems in computational
neuroscience.

Yale BBS Course Guide 15


INP 575/CPSC 575 Computational Vision and Biological Perception
An overview of computational vision with a biological emphasis. Suitable as an introduction to biological perception for
computer science and engineering students, as well as an introduction to computational vision for mathematics,
psychology, and physiology students.

INP 580 Bioethics in Neuroscience


This course is an introduction to ethics and ethical decision-making in the neurosciences. Format for the course is an
informal discussion. Each week we are joined by members of the Yale faculty and community who share their
experiences and expertise as it relates to the topic of the week. Required of first-year INP students. Grading is
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory and is based on attendance/participation, weekly reaction papers, and a final term paper.
Enrollment limited to Neuroscience track students.

INP 585/BENG 585 Fundamentals of Neuroimaging


The neuroenergetic and neurochemical basis of several dominant neuroimaging methods, including fMRI. Topics range
from technical aspects of different methods to interpretation of the neuroimaging results. Controversies and/or
challenges for application of fMRI and related methods in medicine are identified.

INP 599, Statistics and Data Analysis in Neuroscience


This course focuses on practical applications of various statistical models and tests commonly used in neuroscience
research. It covers basic probability theory, hypothesis testing, and maximum likelihood estimation, as well as model
comparison. The specific models and tests covered include ANOVA, regression, time series analyses, and dimension
reduction techniques (e.g., PCA). Examples and homework will be given in MATLAB, which will be introduced at the
beginning of the course. Previous experience in programming and basic statistics is desirable but not required. Offered
in the Spring term. Permission of instructor required for registration.

INP 610/GENE 680 Advanced Topics in Neurogenomics


This course focuses on the rapidly changing field of functional genomics of psychiatric disease, centered on validations
using human cell-based models. It is designed for students who already have basic knowledge of neuroscience and
human genetics.

INP 611/PSYC 611/411, Introduction to Systems Neuroscience


This course provides an overview of the fundamental principles governing the central nervous system. Topics include
the anatomy of the central nervous system, the neural mechanisms underlying cortical and subcortical control of
behavior, various neuroscience techniques, as well as implications for nervous system disorders. The lectures will
combine basic knowledge of the nervous system with the key experimental findings that led to new discoveries in brain
function.

INP 701, Principles of Neuroscience


General neuroscience seminar: lectures, readings, and discussion of selected topics in neuroscience. Emphasis is on how
approaches at the molecular, cellular, physiological, and organismal levels can lead to understanding of neuronal and
brain function. Course is restricted to graduate students.

INP 702, Foundations of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology


A comprehensive overview of cellular and molecular concepts in neuroscience. Each exam (of three) covers one-third
of the course (Cell Biology, Electrophysiology, and Synaptic Function) and is take-home, with short answer/essay
questions.

INP 703, Foundations of Systems Neuroscience


An examination of the neural circuits that subserve sensory, motor, cognitive, and affective function, and their
relationships to human disorders. A comparative species approach is used to highlight the evolution of neural circuits
and their functions. Required of first-year Neuroscience track students.

Yale BBS Course Guide 16


INP 720/MCDB 720, Neurobiology
Examination of the excitability of the nerve cell membrane as a starting point for the study of molecular, cellular, and
intracellular mechanisms underlying the generation and control of behavior.

The following is a new course that does not yet have a number assigned:

INP ### Small Objects


This course will be offered to graduate and undergraduate students who wish to pursue their own special talents, follow
their passions, and expand possibilities and creative impulses to create a small object of their own design. Student
selection is competitive and through application only. Proposal submissions are due by Aug. 31 (mid-night), with
preference given to graduate students in Architecture, Neuroscience, and SEAS. Previous experience building your small
object is not required. Passion for your object—and for building it—are critical for a successful proposal and for success
in the course. (Example proposals will be provided with course description material.). The course will be structured
around teaching modules, studio time, and critique periods. During class sessions, students will be encouraged to
actively engage in critiquing their fellow students’ work. Technique workshops covering different project-related types
of fabrication will be held during the second half of the semester.

Enrollment limited to 9 students. Class will meet on Tuesdays and Fridays. Tuesdays (2 hours) will consist of seminars,
critique sessions, progress updates and discussion (see below for details). Weekly studio time will be on Friday (2
hours).

Yale BBS Course Guide 17


MICROBIOLOGY
http://catalog.yale.edu/gsas/degree-granting-departments-programs/microbiology/#coursestext

MBIO530/MCDB 530/IBIO 530, Biology of the Immune System


The development of the immune system. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of immune recognition. Effector responses
against pathogens. Immunologic memory and vaccines. Human diseases including allergy, autoimmunity, cancer,
immunodeficiency, HIV/AIDS. (Fall)

MBIO 601/IBIO 601/ CBB 601, Fundamentals of Research: Responsible Conduct of Research
A weekly seminar presented by faculty trainers on topics relating to proper conduct of research. Required of first year
Immunobiology students, first-year CB&B students, and training grant-funded postdocs. (Spring)

MBIO 670, 671, 672, Laboratory Rotations


Rotation in three laboratories. Required for all first-year graduate students.

MBIO 686, The Biology of Bacterial Pathogens I


The course provides an introduction to basic principles in bacterial pathogenesis. Topics focus on the bacterial
determinants mediating infection and pathogenesis, as well as strategies to prevent and treat diseases. Each week a
lecture is given on the topic, followed by student presentations of seminal papers in the field. All participants are
required to participate in the discussion of papers. (Fall)

MBIO 685, The Biology of Bacterial Pathogens II


This interdisciplinary course focuses on current topics related to host-bacterial interactions. Each week a lecture is
given on the topic, followed by student presentations of seminal papers in the field. All participants are required to
present a paper. (Spring)

MBIO 700, Seminal Papers on the Foundations of Modern Microbiology


All first-year students in the Microbiology program are required to take this course directed by Priti Kumar. Students
present and discuss papers describing fundamental discoveries in areas related to microbiology. The goal is to
familiarize students with the process of scientific discovery, and with major developments in the field. Topics include
important discoveries involving major human pathogens, fundamental processes in molecular biology, and the
development of technology that has majorly impacted current biomedical research. This is a non-credit course offered
every Spring.

MBIO 701, 702, Research in Progress


All students, beginning in their third year, are required to present their research once a year at the Graduate Student
Research in Progress. These presentations are intended to give each student practice in presenting the student’s own
work before a sympathetic but critical audience and to familiarize the faculty with the research. (Fall & Spring)

MBIO 703, 704 Microbiology Seminar Series


All students are required to attend all Microbiology seminars scheduled throughout the academic year. Microbiologists
from around the world are invited to describe their research. (Fall & Spring)

MBIO 734/GENE 734, Molecular Biology of Animal Viruses


Lecture course with emphasis on mechanisms of viral replication, oncogenic transformation, and virus-host cell
interactions. Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission of the instructor. (Spring)

Yale BBS Course Guide 18


MOLECULAR BIOPHYSICS AND BIOCHEMISTRY
https://catalog.yale.edu/gsas/degree-granting-departments-programs/molecular-biophysics-biochemistry/

MB&B 330 / CB&B 561 / MCDB 330 / NSCI 324 Modeling Biological Systems I
Study of the analytic and computational skills needed to model genetic networks and protein signaling pathways.
Review of basic biochemical concepts including chemical reactions, ligand binding to receptors, cooperativity, and
Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics. Deep exploration of biological systems including kinetics of RNA and protein
synthesis and degradation; transcription activators and repressors; lyosogeny/lysis switch of lambda phage and the
roles of cooperativity and feedback; network motifs such as feed-forward networks and how they shape response
dynamics; cell signaling, MAP kinase networks and cell fate decisions; bacterial chemotaxis; and noise in gene
expression and phenotypic variability. Students learn to model using MatLab in a series of in-class hackathons that
illustrate biological examples discussed in lectures.

MB&B 500a/MCDB 500a, Biochemistry


An introduction to the biochemistry of animals, plants, and microorganisms, emphasizing the relations of chemical
principles and structure to the evolution and regulation of living systems.

MB&B 517b / ENAS 517b / MCDB 517b / PHYS 517b, Methods and Logic in Interdisciplinary Research
This half-term PEB class is intended to introduce students to integrated approaches to research. Each week, the first of
two sessions is student-led, while the second session is led by faculty with complementary expertise and discusses
papers that use different approaches to the same topic (for example, physical and biological or experiment and theory).
Counts as 0.5 credit toward MB&B graduate course requirements. ½ Course cr; Required for students in IGPPEB.

MB&B 520a, Boot Camp Biology


An intensive introduction to biological nomenclature, systems, processes, and techniques for graduate students with
previous backgrounds in non-biological fields including physics, engineering, and computer science who wish to
perform graduate research in the biological sciences. Counts as 0.5 credit toward MB&B graduate course requirements.
½ Course cr; Required for students in IGPPEB.

MB&B 523b / CB&B 523b / ENAS 541b / PHYS 523b, Biological Physics
The course has two aims: (1) to introduce students to the physics of biological systems and (2) to introduce students to
the basics of scientific computing. The course focuses on studies of a broad range of biophysical phenomena including
diffusion, polymer statistics, protein folding, macromolecular crowding, cell motion, and tissue development using
computational tools and methods. Intensive tutorials are provided for MATLAB including basic syntax, arrays, for-loops,
conditional statements, functions, plotting, and importing and exporting data.

MB&B 529b / PHAR 529b, Structural Biology and Drug Discovery


A comprehensive introduction to the concepts and practical uses of structural biology and structural biology-related
techniques in drug discovery. The first half of the course focuses on techniques used to discover and optimize small and
macromolecule drugs. Students are introduced to topics such as small molecule lead discovery, X-ray crystallography,
cryo-electron microscopy, and biophysical techniques. The first half of the course also includes a practical component
where students conduct hands-on structural biology experiments and learn about biophysical techniques in a
laboratory setting. The second half of the course focuses on drug discovery, particularly for protein kinases. It includes
a field trip to the Yale Center for Drug Discovery, where the students are introduced to the in-house Yale screening
facilities for small molecule drug discovery. Two half-credit courses—PHAR 530 and PHAR 531—are also offered for
the two halves of PHAR 529.

Yale BBS Course Guide 19


MB&B 561b / AMTH 765b / CB&B 562b / ENAS 561b / INP 562b / MCDB 562b / PHYS 562b, Modeling
Biological Systems II
This course covers advanced topics in computational biology. How do cells compute, how do they count and tell time,
how do they oscillate and generate spatial patterns? Topics include time-dependent dynamics in regulatory, signal-
transduction, and neuronal networks; fluctuations, growth, and form; mechanics of cell shape and motion; spatially
heterogeneous processes; diffusion. This year, the course spends roughly half its time on mechanical systems at the
cellular and tissue level, and half on models of neurons and neural systems in computational neuroscience. Prerequisite:
a 200-level biology course or permission of the instructor.

MB&B 562b /AMTH 562b/ CB&B 562b /MCDB 562b/PHYS 562b, Modeling Biological Systems II
This course covers advanced topics in computational biology. How do cells compute, how do they count and tell time,
how do they oscillate and generate spatial patterns? Topics include time-dependent dynamics in regulatory, signal-
transduction, and neuronal networks; fluctuations, growth, and form; mechanics of cell shape and motion; spatially
heterogeneous processes; diffusion. This year, the course spends roughly half its time on mechanical systems at the
cellular and tissue level, and half on models of neurons and neural systems in computational neuroscience.

MB&B 591a / ENAS 991a / MCDB 591a / PHYS 991a, Integrated Workshop
This required course for students in the PEB graduate program involves a series of modules, co-taught by faculty, in
which students from different academic backgrounds and research skills collaborate on projects at the interface of
physics, engineering, and biology. The modules cover a broad range of PEB research areas and skills. The course starts
with an introduction to MATLAB, which is used throughout the course for analysis, simulations, and modeling.

MB&B 600a, Principles of Biochemistry I


Discussion of the physical, structural, and functional properties of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, three major
classes of molecules in living organisms. Energy metabolism, hormone signaling, and muscle contraction as examples of
complex biological processes whose underlying mechanisms can be understood by identifying and analyzing the
molecules responsible for these phenomena.

MB&B 601b, Principles of Biochemistry II


A continuation of MB&B 600 that considers the chemistry and metabolism of nucleic acids, the mechanism and
regulation of protein and nucleic acid synthesis, and selected topics in macromolecular biochemistry.

MB&B 602a / CBIO 602a / MCDB 602a, Molecular Cell Biology


A comprehensive introduction to the molecular and mechanistic aspects of cell biology for graduate students in all
programs. Emphasizes fundamental issues of cellular organization, regulation, biogenesis, and function at the molecular
level. Prerequisites: none, but some knowledge of basic cell biology and biochemistry is assumed. Students who have
not taken courses in these areas can prepare by reading relevant sections in basic molecular cell biology texts. We
recommend Pollard et al., Cell Biology (3rd ed., 2016), Alberts et al., Molecular Biology of the Cell (6th ed., 2014), or
Lodish et al., Molecular Cell Biology (8th edition, 2016).

MB&B 625a / GENE 625a / MCDB 625a, Basic Concepts of Genetic Analysis
The universal principles of genetic analysis in eukaryotes are discussed in lectures. Students also read a small selection
of primary papers illustrating the very best of genetic analysis and dissect them in detail in the discussion sections.
While other Yale graduate molecular genetics courses emphasize molecular biology, this course focuses on the concepts
and logic underlying modern genetic analysis.

MB&B 630b / MCDB 630b, Biochemical and Biophysical Approaches in Molecular and Cellular Biology
This course introduces the theory and application of biochemical and biophysical methods to study the structure and
function of biological macromolecules. The course considers the basic physical chemistry required in cellular and
molecular biology but does not require a previous course in physical chemistry. One class per week is a lecture
introducing a topic. The second class is a discussion of one or two research papers utilizing those methods. Does not
count for graduate course credit for BQBS graduate students.

Yale BBS Course Guide 20


MB&B 635a / ENAS 518a, Quantitative Approaches in Biophysics and Biochemistry
The course offers an introduction to quantitative methods relevant to analysis and interpretation of biophysical and
biochemical data. Topics covered include statistical testing, data presentation, and error analysis; introduction to
dynamical systems; analysis of large datasets; and Fourier analysis in signal/image processing and macromolecular
structural studies. The course also includes an introduction to basic programming skills and data analysis using
MATLAB. Real data from research groups in MB&B are used for practice. Prerequisites: MATH 120 and MB&B 600 or
equivalents, or permission of the instructors.

MB&B 650a and 651b, Lab Rotation for BQBS First-Year Students
Required of all first-year BQBS graduate students. Credit for full year only.

MB&B 675a, Seminar for First-Year Students


Required of all first-year BQBS graduate students.

MB&B 676b, Responsible Conduct of Research


Designed for students who are beginning to do scientific research. The course seeks to describe some of the basic
features of life in contemporary research and some of the personal and professional issues that researchers encounter
in their work. Approximately six sessions, run in a seminar/discussion format. Required of all first-year BQBS graduate
students.

MB&B 711b / C&MP 711b, Practical cryo-EM Workshop


This laboratory course provides hands-on training in the practical aspects of macromolecular structure determination
by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Topics include cryo-EM data collection, image preparation and correction,
single-particle picking and 2-D classification, 3-D classification, refinement and post-processing, model building,
refinement and evaluation. The course includes training in the use of computer programs used to perform these
calculations. Prerequisite: MB&B 710/C&MP 710. ½ Course credit

MB&B 720a, Macromolecular Structure and Biophysical Analysis


An in-depth analysis of macromolecular structure and dynamics using modern methods of structural biology,
microscopy and single-molecule techniques. Topics include architecture of proteins, RNA, and DNA; X-ray
crystallography; electron cryomicroscopy; optical microscopy. A recurring theme is the use of diffraction to elucidate
structure. Prerequisites: at least one upper-level course in physical chemistry, biochemistry, or
electromagnetism/optics.

MB&B 730a, Methods and Logic in Molecular Biology


The course examines fundamental concepts in molecular biology through intense critical analysis of the primary
literature. The objective is to develop primary literature reading and critical thinking skills. Required of and open only
to first-year graduate students in BQBS.

MB&B 734b / GENE 734b / MBIO 734b, Molecular Biology of Animal Viruses
Lecture course with emphasis on mechanisms of viral replication, oncogenic transformation, and virus-host cell
interactions.

MB&B 743b / GENE 743b / MCDB 743b, Advanced Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
Selected topics in transcriptional control, regulation of chromatin structure, mRNA processing, mRNA stability, RNA
interference, translation, protein degradation, DNA replication, DNA repair, site-specific DNA recombination, somatic
hypermutation. Prerequisite: biochemistry or permission of the instructor.

MB&B 749a, Medical Impact of Basic Science


Consideration of examples of recent discoveries in basic science that have elucidated the molecular origins of disease
or that have suggested new therapies for disease. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental principles on which these
advances rely. Reading is from the primary scientific and medical literature, with emphasis on developing the ability to
read this literature critically. Aimed primarily at undergraduates. Prerequisite: biochemistry or permission of the
instructor.

Yale BBS Course Guide 21


MB&B 752b / CB&B 752b / CPSC 752b / MCDB 752b, Biomedical Data Science: Mining and Modeling
Biomedical data science encompasses the analysis of gene sequences, macromolecular structures, and functional
genomics data on a large scale. It represents a major practical application for modern techniques in data mining and
simulation. Specific topics to be covered include sequence alignment, large-scale processing, next-generation
sequencing data, comparative genomics, phylogenetics, biological database design, geometric analysis of protein
structure, molecular-dynamics simulation, biological networks, normalization of microarray data, mining of functional
genomics data sets, and machine-learning approaches to data integration. Prerequisites: biochemistry and calculus, or
permission of the instructor.

MB&B 753b, Biomedical Data Science: Mining


Biomedical data science encompasses the analysis of gene sequences, macromolecular structures, and functional
genomics data on a large scale. It represents a major practical application for modern techniques in data mining and
simulation. This module of the full-term course MB&B 752 focuses on the first of these techniques, data mining. Specific
topics include sequence alignment, comparative genomics and phylogenetics, biological databases, microarray
normalization, and machine-learning approaches to data integration. Counts as 0.5 credit toward MB&B graduate course
requirements. Prerequisites: biochemistry and calculus, or permission of the instructor.

MB&B 754b, Biomedical Data Science: Modeling


Biomedical data science encompasses the analysis of gene sequences, macromolecular structures, and functional
genomics data on a large scale. It represents a major practical application for modern techniques in data mining and
simulation. This module of the full-term course MB&B 752 focuses on the second of these techniques, simulation.
Specific topics to be covered include geometric analysis of protein structure, molecular-dynamics simulation, and
biological networks. Counts as 0.5 credit toward MB&B graduate course requirements.
Prerequisites: biochemistry and calculus, or permission of the instructor.

MB&B 800a, Advanced Topics in Molecular Medicine


The seminar, which covers topics in the molecular mechanisms of disease, illustrates timely issues in areas such as
protein chemistry and enzymology, intermediary metabolism, nucleic acid biochemistry, gene expression, and virology.
M.D. and M.D./Ph.D. students only. Prerequisite: biochemistry (may be taken concurrently).

Yale BBS Course Guide 22


MOLECULAR, CELLULAR, AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
https://catalog.yale.edu/gsas/degree-granting-departments-programs/molecular-cellular-developmental-biology/

MCDB 321L / NSCI 32L, Laboratory for Neurobiology


Introduction to the neurosciences. Projects include the study of neuronal excitability, sensory transduction, CNS
function, synaptic physiology, and neuroanatomy.

MCDB 330 / CB&B 561 / MB&B 330 / NSCI 324 Modeling Biological Systems I
Study of the analytic and computational skills needed to model genetic networks and protein signaling pathways.
Review of basic biochemical concepts including chemical reactions, ligand binding to receptors, cooperativity, and
Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics. Deep exploration of biological systems including kinetics of RNA and protein
synthesis and degradation; transcription activators and repressors; lysogeny/lysis switch of lambda phage and the
roles of cooperativity and feedback; network motifs such as feed-forward networks and how they shape response
dynamics; cell signaling, MAP kinase networks and cell fate decisions; bacterial chemotaxis; and noise in gene
expression and phenotypic variability. Students learn to model using MatLab in a series of in-class hackathons that
illustrate biological examples discussed in lectures.

MCDB 500a/MB&B 500a, Biochemistry


An introduction to the biochemistry of animals, plants, and microorganisms, emphasizing the relations of chemical
principles and structure to the evolution and regulation of living systems.

MCDB 504, Responsible Conduct of Research


This course meets the NIH requirement that students receive training in the responsible conduct of research at least
every four years. Two ninety-minute sessions for MCDB students; additional sessions for fourth year MCDB students.
Attendance is taken, and students who attend both sessions receive a grade of Satisfactory. Graded
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.

MCDB 517b/ENAS 517b/MB&B 517b/PHYS 517b, Methods and Logic in Interdisciplinary Research
This half-term IGPPEB class is intended to introduce students to integrated approaches to research. Each session is led
by faculty with complementary expertise and discusses papers that use different approaches to the same topic (for
example, physical and biological or experiment and theory). Counts as 0.5 credit toward graduate course requirements.
Required for students in IGPPEB.

MCDB 530a/IBIO 530a/MBIO 530a, Biology of the Immune System


The development of the immune system. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of immune recognition. Effector responses
against pathogens. Immunologic memory and vaccines. Human diseases including allergy, autoimmunity, cancer,
immunodeficiency, HIV/AIDS.

MCDB 550a/C&MP 550a/ENAS 550a/PHAR 550a, Physiological Systems


The course presents a foundation in human physiology by examining the homeostasis of vital parameters within the
body, and the biophysical properties of cells, tissues, and organs. Basic concepts in cell and membrane physiology are
integrated by exploring the function of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle as well as the function of epithelial tissues.
The physical basis of blood flow, mechanisms of vascular exchange, cardiac performance, and regulation of overall
circulatory function are discussed. Respiratory physiology explores the mechanics of ventilation, gas diffusion, and acid-
base balance. The discussion of renal physiology focuses on the regulation of electrolyte, fluid, and acid-base balance.
The digestive system is discussed from the perspective of organ function, as well as substrate metabolism and energy
balance. Hormonal regulation is discussed in relation to metabolic control and to calcium, water, and electrolyte
balance. The nervous system is addressed with emphasis on synaptic transmission and simple neuronal circuits within
the central nervous system, as well as sensory transduction. Weekly discussion sections provide a forum for in-depth
exploration of topics, where graduate students evaluate research findings through weekly meetings accompanied by
computer simulations of physiological functions with the instructor.

Yale BBS Course Guide 23


MCDB 560b/C&MP 560b/ENAS 570b/PHAR 560b, Cellular and Molecular Physiology: Molecular Machines in
Human Disease
The course focuses on understanding the processes that transfer molecules across membranes at the cellular, molecular,
biophysical, and physiological levels. Students learn about the different classes of molecular machines that mediate
membrane transport, generate electrical currents, or perform mechanical displacement. Emphasis is placed on the
relationship between the molecular structures of membrane proteins and their individual functions. The interactions
among transport proteins in determining the physiological behaviors of cells and tissues are also stressed. Molecular
motors are introduced and their mechanical relationship to cell function is explored. Students read papers from the
scientific literature that establish the connections between mutations in genes encoding membrane proteins and a wide
variety of human genetic diseases.

MCDB 562 / MCDB 361 /BENG 465 / MB&B 562 / AMTH 765/ CB&B 562 / INP 562 / PHYS 562 / ENAS 561
Modeling Biological Systems II
This course covers advanced topics in computational biology. How do cells compute, how do they count and tell time,
how do they oscillate and generate spatial patterns? Topics include time-dependent dynamics in regulatory, signal-
transduction, and neuronal networks; fluctuations, growth, and form; mechanics of cell shape and motion; spatially
heterogeneous processes; diffusion. This year, the course spends roughly half its time on mechanical systems at the
cellular and tissue level, and half on models of neurons and neural systems in computational neuroscience.

MCDB 570b, Biotechnology


The principles and applications of cellular, molecular, and chemical techniques that advance biotechnology. Topics
include the most recent tools and strategies used by government agencies, industrial labs, and academic research to
adapt biological and chemical compounds as medical treatments, as industrial agents, or for the further study of
biological systems.

MCDB 585b, Research in MCDB for B.S./M.S. Candidates


A two-credit course taken in the third-to-last term (typically the second term of the junior year). At the start of this
course, each student forms a committee composed of his or her adviser and two faculty members that meets to discuss
the research project. At the end of this course, students complete a detailed prospectus describing their thesis project
and the work completed thus far. The committee evaluates an oral and written presentation of this prospectus; the
evaluation determines whether the student may continue in the combined program. Required of students in the joint
B.S./M.S. program with Yale College.

MCDB 591b/ENAS 991b/MB&B 591b/PHYS 991b, Integrated Workshop


This required course for students in the PEB graduate program involves a series of modules, co-taught by faculty, in
which students from different academic backgrounds and research skills collaborate on projects at the interface of
physics, engineering, and biology. The modules cover a broad range of PEB research areas and skills. The course starts
with an introduction to MATLAB, which is used throughout the course for analysis, simulations, and modeling.

MCDB 595ab, Intensive Research in MCDB for B.S./M.S. Candidates


A four-credit, yearlong course (two credits each term) that is similar to MCDB 495/496 and is taken during the senior
year. During this course, students give an oral presentation describing their work. At the end of the course, students are
expected to present their work to the department in the form of a poster presentation. In addition, students are expected
to give an oral thesis defense, followed by a comprehensive examination of the thesis conducted by the thesis
committee. Upon successful completion of this examination, as well as other requirements, the student is awarded the
combined B.S./M.S. degree. Required of students in the joint B.S./M.S. program with Yale College.

Yale BBS Course Guide 24


MCDB 602a/CBIO 602a/MB&B 602a, Molecular Cell Biology
A comprehensive introduction to the molecular and mechanistic aspects of cell biology for graduate students in all
programs. Emphasizes fundamental issues of cellular organization, regulation, biogenesis, and function at the molecular
level.
Prerequisites: none, but some knowledge of basic cell biology and biochemistry is assumed. Students who have not
taken courses in these areas can prepare by reading relevant sections in basic molecular cell biology texts. We
recommend Pollard et al., Cell Biology (3rd ed., 2016), Alberts et al., Molecular Biology of the Cell (6th ed., 2014), or
Lodish et al., Molecular Cell Biology (8th edition, 2016).

MCDB 603a/CBIO 603a, Seminar in Molecular Cell Biology


A graduate-level seminar in modern cell biology. The class is devoted to the reading and critical evaluation of classical
and current papers. The topics are coordinated with the CBIO 602 lecture schedule. Thus, concurrent enrollment
in CBIO 602 is required.

MCDB 625a/GENE 625a/MB&B 625aU, Basic Concepts of Genetic Analysis


The universal principles of genetic analysis in eukaryotes are discussed in lectures. Students also read a small selection
of primary papers illustrating the very best of genetic analysis and dissect them in detail in the discussion sections.
While other Yale graduate molecular genetics courses emphasize molecular biology, this course focuses on the concepts
and logic underlying modern genetic analysis.

MCDB 630b/MB&B 630b, Biochemical and Biophysical Approaches in Molecular and Cellular Biology
This course introduces the theory and application of biochemical and biophysical methods to study the structure and
function of biological macromolecules. The course considers the basic physical chemistry required in cellular and
molecular biology but does not require a previous course in physical chemistry. One class per week is a lecture
introducing a topic. The second class is a discussion of one or two research papers utilizing those methods. Does not
count for graduate course credit for BBSB graduate students.

MCDB 650 Epigenetics


Study of epigenetic states and the various mechanisms of epigenetic regulation, including histone modification, DNA
methylation, nuclear organization, and regulation by noncoding RNAs. Detailed critique of papers from primary
literature and discussion of novel technologies, with specific attention to the role of epigenetics in development and its
impact on human health. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

MCDB 670, Advanced Seminar in Biochemistry and Genetics


This seminar is designed to expand students’ abilities to critically read and evaluate the primary scientific literature
relevant to some of the most active areas of biochemical and genetic research. Special emphasis is placed on topics that
deal with recent discoveries in nucleic acids, such as catalytic RNA and DNA, functions of noncoding RNA, gene
regulation by RNA, and genomic processing and instability. Students read assigned papers in advance. Discussion
focuses on experimental design used by the authors, results of the experiments, and conclusions drawn by the authors.

MCDB 677b/GENE 777b, Mechanisms of Development


An advanced course on mechanisms of animal development focusing on the genetic specification of cell organization
and identity during embryogenesis and somatic differentiation. The use of evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways
to carry out developmental decisions in a range of animals is highlighted. Course work includes student participation in
critical analysis of primary literature and a research proposal term paper.

MCDB 680a, Advances in Plant Molecular Biology


The study of basic processes in plant growth and development to provide a foundation for addressing critical
agricultural needs in response to a changing climate. Topics include the latest breakthroughs in plant sciences with
emphasis on molecular, cellular, and developmental biology; biotic and abiotic plant interactions; development,
genomics, proteomics, epigenetics, and chemical biology in the context of plant biology; and the current societal debates
about agrobiotechnology.

Yale BBS Course Guide 25


MCDB 720a/INP 720a, Neurobiology
Examination of the excitability of the nerve cell membrane as a starting point for the study of molecular, cellular, and
intercellular mechanisms underlying the generation and control of behavior.

MCDB 743b/GENE 743b/MB&B 743bu, Advanced Eukaryotic Molecular Biology


Selected topics in transcriptional control, regulation of chromatin structure, mRNA processing, mRNA stability, RNA
interference, translation, protein degradation, DNA replication, DNA repair, site-specific DNA recombination, somatic
hypermutation. Prerequisite: biochemistry or permission of the instructor.

MCDB 752b/MB&B 752b/CBB752b/CPSC 752b, Biomedical Data Science: Mining and Modeling
Biomedical data science encompasses the analysis of gene sequences, macromolecular structures, and functional
genomics data on a large scale. It represents a major practical application for modern techniques in data mining and
simulation. Specific topics to be covered include sequence alignment, large-scale processing, next-generation
sequencing data, comparative genomics, phylogenetics, biological database design, geometric analysis of protein
structure, molecular-dynamics simulation, biological networks, normalization of microarray data, mining of functional
genomics data sets, and machine-learning approaches to data integration. Prerequisites: biochemistry and calculus, or
permission of the instructor.

MCDB 900a/CBIO 900a/GENE 900a, Research Skills and Ethics I


This course consists of seminars that covers ethics, grant writing, and training for scientific speaking for
Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development track students.

MCDB 901/CBIO 901/GENE 901b, Research Skills and Ethics II


This course consists of a weekly seminar that covers ethics, writing, and research methods in cellular and molecular
biology as well as student presentations (“rotation talks”) of work completed in the third laboratory rotation.

MCDB 902 & MCDB 903 Advanced Graduate Seminar


The course allows students to hone their presentation skills through yearly presentation of their dissertation work.
Two students each give thirty-minute presentations in each class session. Students are required to present every year
beginning in their third year in the MCDB program. Each MCDB graduate student is expected to attend at least 80
percent of the class sessions. Two faculty members co-direct the course, attend the seminars, and provide feedback to
the students.

MCDB 911a/CBIO 911a/GENE 911a, First Laboratory Rotation


First laboratory rotation for Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development (MCGD) and Plant Molecular Biology
(PMB) track students

MCDB 912a/CBIO 912a/GENE 912a, Second Laboratory Rotation


Second laboratory rotation for Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development (MCGD) and Plant Molecular
Biology (PMB) track students.

MCDB 913b/CBIO 913b/GENE 913b, Third Laboratory Rotation


Third laboratory rotation for Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development (MCGD) and Plant Molecular Biology
(PMB) track students

MCDB 914b/CBIO 914b/GENE 914b, Fourth Laboratory Rotation (optional)


Fourth laboratory rotation for Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development track students.

MCDB 950a and 951b, Second-Year Research


By arrangement with faculty.

Yale BBS Course Guide 26


PHARMACOLOGY
http://medicine.yale.edu/pharm/graduate/courses.aspx

PHAR 502a/C&MP 630a/PATH 680a, Seminar in Molecular Medicine, Pharmacology, and Physiology
Readings and discussion on a diverse range of current topics in molecular medicine, pharmacology, and physiology. The
class emphasizes analysis of primary research literature and development of presentation and writing skills.
Contemporary articles are assigned on a related topic every week, and a student lead discussion with input from faculty
who are experts in the topic area. The overall goal is to cover a specific topic of medical relevance (e.g., cancer,
neurodegeneration) from the perspective of three primary disciplines (i.e., physiology: normal function; pathology:
abnormal function; and pharmacology: intervention).

PHAR 504a, Molecular Mechanisms of Drug Actions


This course covers the molecular mechanisms of therapeutics, which are presented in a conceptual framework to
increase understanding but decrease memorization. Topics include (but are not limited to) receptor affinity, efficacy,
multiple equilibria, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity; enzyme kinetics and inhibition, drug discovery and design;
molecular basis of antimicrobial therapy, cardiology drugs, anticancer and antiviral therapies; and therapeutics for
inflammatory disorders, asthma, and allergy.

PHAR 506a and b, Methods in Pharmacological Research (Rotations)


Students work in laboratories of faculty of their choice. The period spent in each laboratory is one term.

PHAR 528b, Principles of Signal Transduction


The regulation of intracellular signaling is of fundamental importance to the understanding of cell function and
regulation. This course introduces the broad principles of intracellular signal transduction. More detailed lectures on
specific intracellular signaling pathways are given in which students learn both the basic and most recent and cutting-
edge concepts of intracellular signaling. Topics include regulation of signaling by protein phosphorylation, small G
proteins, G-protein-coupled receptors, hormones, phospholipids, adhesion, and gasses.

PHAR 529b / MB&B 529b, Structural Biology and Drug Discovery


The goal of the course is to show students how concepts of structural biology are applied to areas of great importance
in pharmacology such as protein kinases, proteases, cell surface receptors, integrins and other membrane-bound
enzymes, and transporters and channels, and how these concepts facilitate drug development.

PHAR 531b, Concepts of Structural Biology and Drug Discovery


This 0.5-credit course covers the first half of the PHAR 529b course and ends after the 2nd exam.

PHAR 530b, Targeted Use of Structural Biology in Drug Discovery


This 0.5-credit course begins in February, joining PHAR 529b.

PHAR 537a, Systems Pharmacology and Integrated Therapeutics


The goal of this course is to provide an in-depth, “hands-on” experience in drug design, drug discovery, high-throughput
screening, state-of-the-art proteomics, and target validation. Required course for students in the Pharmacology
Training Program.

Yale BBS Course Guide 27


PHAR 538a, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics in Neuropharmacology
This course is designed to give a historic account of drug discovery and development for brain diseases, introduce
methods to understand the pharmacological mechanisms of drugs working on neurological systems, and inspire young
generations to join the endeavor of drug discovery and development for brain diseases. It is designed for advanced
graduate students, postdocs, and residents with basic knowledge in chemistry, pharmacology, and neuroscience. The
lecturers and guest lecturers are leading experts in the field of PET and MR imaging, and industry leaders in
pharmaceutical science. This course also introduces the applications of advanced imaging technologies (PET, MRI) in
the study of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of CNS drugs in humans and its implications to our
understanding of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Each class constitutes a forty-five-minute didactic
lecture and a thirty-minute interactive discussion section. The classroom activities are expected to prepare students for
their future endeavor in the field of neuropharmacology. Open to students second-year and up.

PHAR 540b Developing and Writing a Scientific Research Proposal


The goal of this class is to teach students to conceive, write, and defend a grant proposal. The timing of this half-term
course is aligned with the pharmacology qualifying exam in the spring term, for which a written research proposal is
required. This course takes students through the steps of proposal writing, guiding them in defining a problem of their
own and training them in the mechanics of writing. Additional support is given as needed to students with more limited
writing experience. By taking the “guesswork” out of the writing process, students can focus on the development of their
research proposal without the added anxiety associated with an unfamiliar process. Students learn about the structure
and components of fellowship and grant proposals. They engage in “mock study sections”, providing written critiques
and participating in discussion of sample proposals assigned by the instructors. Students give oral presentations of their
specific aims followed by classroom discussion. At the end of the course, students will have made substantial progress
toward completing the written portion of their qualifying exam and gained a set of competencies central to this program.
Open to graduate students only. Priority is given to pharmacology students.

PHAR 550a/C&MP 550a/ENAS 550a/MCDB 550a, Physiological Systems


The course develops a foundation in human physiology by examining the homeostasis of vital parameters within the
body, and the biophysical properties of cells, tissues, and organs. Basic concepts in cell and membrane physiology are
synthesized through exploring the function of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle. The physical basis of blood flow,
mechanisms of vascular exchange, cardiac performance, and regulation of overall circulatory function are discussed.
Respiratory physiology explores the mechanics of ventilation, gas diffusion, and acid-base balance. Renal physiology
examines the formation and composition of urine and the regulation of electrolyte, fluid, and acid-base balance. Organs
of the digestive system are discussed from the perspective of substrate metabolism and energy balance. Hormonal
regulation is applied to metabolic control and to calcium, water, and electrolyte balance. The biology of nerve cells is
addressed with emphasis on synaptic transmission and simple neuronal circuits within the central nervous system. The
special senses are considered in the framework of sensory transduction. Weekly discussion sections provide a forum
for in-depth exploration of topics. Graduate students evaluate research findings through literature review and weekly
meetings with the instructor.

PHAR 560b/C&MP 560b/ENAS 570b/MCDB 560b, Cellular and Molecular Physiology: Molecular Machines in
Human Disease
The course focuses on understanding the processes that transfer molecules across membranes at the cellular, molecular,
biophysical, and physiological levels. Students learn about the different classes of molecular machines that mediate
membrane transport, generate electrical currents, or perform mechanical displacement. Emphasis is placed on the
relationship between the molecular structures of membrane proteins and their individual functions. The interactions
among transport proteins in determining the physiological behaviors of cells and tissues are also stressed. Molecular
motors are introduced and their mechanical relationship to cell function is explored. Students read papers from the
scientific literature that establish the connections between mutations in genes encoding membrane proteins and a wide
variety of human genetic diseases.

Yale BBS Course Guide 28


PHAR 580/C&MP 650/PATH 660, Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)
Organized to foster discussion, the course is taught by faculty in the Pharmacology, Pathology, and Physiology
departments and two or three senior graduate students. Each session is based on case studies from primary literature,
reviews, and two texts: Francis Macrina’s Scientific Integrity and Kathy Barker’s At the Bench. Each week, students are
required to submit a reaction paper discussing the reading assignment. Students take turns leading the class discussion;
a final short paper on a hot topic in bioethics is required.

Yale BBS Course Guide 29


Translational Biomedicine
https://catalog.yale.edu/gsas/degree-granting-departments-programs/translational-
biomedicine/

PTB 604 / CBIO 604b, Physiologic Function and Cellular Structure of Organ Systems
Introduction to the organization and function of cells within complex multicellular systems as encountered in the human
body. Covers major tissues and organs as well as the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems, with special
emphasis on the molecular and cellular bases of developmental processes and human diseases. Lectures supplemented
by electronic-based tutorials on the histology of tissues and organs.

PTB 605b, Grantsmanship and preparing training award applications (offered Spring 2024)
This course is designed to further refine an existing draft of a research and training proposal in the structure of an
NIH F31 application in preparation for submission. In addition to providing peer and mentored feedback on the
scientific proposal, this course will focus on the preparations of other materials required for the F31 application,
including development of a statement of training goals. While student’s ineligible (or not intending) to apply for an
F31 are welcome to participate (and indeed transferable skills in scientific writing and goal setting will benefit all
PhD students), the course will be structured to prepare an F31 application for the April F31 deadline.

Yale BBS Course Guide 30

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